Help Line

If you suspect that someone you know may be suffering from an addiction to drugs, seeking help is the first step to getting that individual on the path to recovery. You are likely afraid, overwhelmed, or otherwise anxious about the process of recovery - but rest assured that getting professional treatment is the best solution to a drug or alcohol addiction.

Free yourself from addiction by calling 1-800-654-0987 for help.

The mere courage that it takes to face your addiction shows how powerful you really are. It takes great strength to admit that you have a problem and you need help. If you've tried treatment before, or you've ever tried to quit using drugs on your own and have not been successful - don't give up hope! There is help available to you and you can reach your recovery goals!

Don't Minimize the Problem

Many addicts, and their family members, minimize drug addiction. They downplay the problem making it seem like less of a situation than it really is. It's very common to deny a drug habit or to downplay a problem, making it out to be less harmful than it actually is - but this doesn't help with recovery. Facing an addiction head on, accepting that it IS a problem and that you DO need help is the first step to getting sober.

If you are a parent or loved one of someone who is suffering from addiction, you too can take steps to ensure that the problem has not been minimized. If your loved one denies a problem, and you are sure that there's addiction at hand, don't accept the denial as the end of the conversation - take steps to rectify and find help for the individual regardless of how much they downplay the addiction.

Seek Support

Support is an essential element of the recovery process. While you might be able to overcome addiction on your own, you don't have to! Consider seeking a network of support so that you have a shoulder to lean on when you need help, someone to cry to when you're feeling down and someone to encourage you when you feel like you can't go another day.

Addiction Support Hotlines

Alabama - (256) 217-4779

Indiana - (765) 252-0297

Nebraska - (402) 261-2757

South Carolina - (864) 642-2458

Alaska - (907) 268-4185

Iowa - (712) 266-3564

Nevada - (702) 666-8590

South Dakota - (605) 370-5086

Arizona - (928) 247-6141

Kansas - (620) 860-0576

New Hampshire - (603) 821-4064

Tennessee - (276) 644-2008

Arkansas - (870) 277-4308

Kentucky - (270) 803-0012

New Jersey - (856) 282-1120

Texas - (281) 907-9551

California - (562) 219-4524

Louisiana - (337) 214-0093

New Mexico - (505) 435-9622

Utah - (801) 528-6564

Colorado - (970) 315-0224

Maine - (207) 221-2169

New York - (845) 247-5704

Vermont - (802) 277-3346

Connecticut - (203) 416-6422

Maryland - (410) 777-8131

North Carolina - (919) 238-4011

Virginia - (804) 767-4408

Delaware - (302) 491-0880

Massachusetts - (508) 858-5322

North Dakota - (701) 484-0368

Washington - (509) 464-6019

D.C. - (202) 509-9590

Michigan - (517) 618-9447

Ohio - (614) 423-6724

West Virginia - (304) 915-0148

Florida - (305) 459-3878

Minnesota - (651) 964-3129

Oklahoma - (918) 948-9378

Wisconsin - (262) 672-6213

Georgia - (678) 712-1869

Mississippi - (601) 707-9002

Oregon - (541) 435-0314

Wyoming - (307) 222-0333

Idaho - (208) 904-3934

Missouri - (314) 714-6374

Pennsylvania - (717) 798-9698

Illinois - (312) 638-9896

Montana - (406) 545-2136

Rhode Island - (401) 288-3581

You will find support through the following individuals:

family members

close friends

counselors

therapists

peers who are also in recovery

your pastor or a member of your faith community

your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider

How to Help a Loved One Suffering from Addiction

If you think that someone you love may be addicted to drugs, take the following steps to encourage him or her make the courageous decision to seek help:

talk with the individual - tell your loved one how the addiction is affecting his or her life and how it affects you. Be honest and understanding but also supportive.

Don't blame yourself - many family members and friends blame themselves for the drug use of a loved one. You cannot help a loved one to get sober if you are too busy placing the blame on yourself. The decision to use drugs is up to the user and therefore the drug addiction is his or her problem.

Get involved in treatment - there are programs available to assist the family members and friends of those addiction to help them find the support that they need to remain healthy. Get involved in treatment by seeking family counseling and therapy, going to a support group such as Nar-Anon, or finding support through your own network.

Don't threaten your loved one - just because you want the individual to get help, this doesn't mean that you should threaten him or her. Instead, encourage him to seek help and offer to assist him or her in finding the right treatment for the individual circumstance.

Don't take over the responsibilities and place undue burden on yourself - doing so will only allow your loved one to continue to abuse drugs. Don't pay bills, offer money or otherwise help to fuel the drug habit.

Getting Sober

Recovery is a long, complex process but it's a process that can be an incredible gift when goals are met and sobriety is achieved. Overcoming addiction will require self introspect and change but it is possible. Taking the steps toward recovery now, seeking support and choosing professional help will ensure you reach your goals, achieve sobriety and live a drug free life in the future.